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The Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) in Sintra, Portugal, is a historic fortress dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries, built by the Moors. It is perched on a high hilltop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding region, including the town of Sintra and the Atlantic coast. The castle's ruins, combined with its strategic location and scenic vistas, make it a popular attraction for tourists.
The castle is part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also includes the nearby Pena Palace, Sintra National Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira. The combination of historical significance, architectural beauty, and natural surroundings makes a visit to the Moorish Castle a memorable experience.
How to Get to the Moorish Castle
By Train and Bus
From Lisbon, you can take a train from either Rossio or Estação do Oriente to Sintra, which takes about 40-50 minutes. Upon arrival at Sintra train station, the most convenient option is to take bus 434. This bus operates in a loop from the train station, making stops at key attractions including the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace. The bus journey to the castle takes around 13 minutes.
By Bus 434 and 435
Bus 434: The 434 bus, operated by Scotturb, is specifically designed for tourists. It connects Sintra train station with the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace, running every 15 minutes during peak times. A round-trip ticket costs €11, and the bus stops directly at the gate of the Moorish Castle. From the castle, you can walk to Pena Palace, which is about a 10-minute uphill walk.
Bus 435: This bus follows a different route and does not go to the Moorish Castle. It connects the Sintra train station with the National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Seteais Palace Tivoli, and Monserrate Palace. This bus is useful for visiting other attractions in Sintra but not for reaching the Moorish Castle.
READ FULL GUIDE TO BUS 434 AND BUS 435 ROUTES, PROS & CONS: HERE.
By Car
Driving to the Moorish Castle is generally not recommended due to narrow roads and limited parking availability. Traffic can be particularly heavy during peak tourist seasons, and navigating the steep and winding roads can be challenging. If you choose to drive, be prepared for potential delays and difficulty finding parking. Guide to Sintra parkings: HERE.
By Walking
For those who enjoy hiking and are physically fit, it is possible to walk from Sintra train station to the Moorish Castle. The route is steep and hilly, making it a strenuous journey. The walk covers approximately 1.7 km and can take around an hour, depending on your fitness level and pace.
Pros and Cons of Taking Bus 434 and 435
Pros:
Convenience: The 434 bus provides direct and easy access to the Moorish Castle and other major attractions in Sintra.
Cost-effective: The "Hop On Hop Off All Buses 24 Hours" ticket offers unlimited rides on both buses for one day, making it economical for visiting multiple sites.
Frequent Service: Bus 434 runs every 15 minutes, reducing wait times and making it easier to plan your day.
Cons:
Crowds: These buses can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist season, leading to long queues and potentially standing-room-only conditions.
Limited Routes: The 434 bus covers major attractions but doesn't stop at every site in Sintra, potentially requiring additional walking or other transportation for some locations.
Unreliable Timing: Some tourists have reported that the buses can be unreliable and not always adhere to the schedule, which might affect your travel plans.
Overall, using buses 434 and 435 is a practical and affordable way to visit the Moorish Castle and other attractions in Sintra, especially if you prefer not to deal with the hassle of driving and parking. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of these buses make them a popular choice among tourists, despite some potential drawbacks like crowding and occasional scheduling issues.
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